Key Concepts

Soils Key Concepts

Classification, soil formation, basic chemical and physical properties, profiles, soil characteristics, soil surveys, site suitability, erosion, land use, conservation practices, etc.

Students should be able to:

	Recognize soil as an important dynamic resource
	Describe basic soil properties and soil formation factors
	Understand soil drainage classes and know how wetlands are formed
	Determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability, by observing a soil pit or profile
	Identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion
	Use soil information, including a soil survey, in land use planning discussions
	Discuss how soil is a factor in, or is impacted by non-point and point source pollution
	Interpret maps and other images

Wildlife Key Concepts

Identification, habitat, foods, diseases, rules and regulations, management, etc.

Students should be able to:

	Identify common wildlife species and wildlife signs. Keys will be used for more extensive identification
	Identify basic wildlife survival needs
	Describe specific adaptations of wildlife to their environment and the role in the ecosystem
	Describe predator-prey relationships and identify examples
	Describe food chains and food webs and cite examples
	Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth
	Evaluate a given habitat for its suitability for designated species when given a description of their habitat needs
	Describe ways habitat can be improved for specific species based on their requirements
	Discuss the concept of carrying capacity and limiting factors
	Discuss various ways the public and wildlife managers can help in the protection, conservation, management and enhancement of wildlife populations
	Describe the potential impact of the introduction of non-native species
	Describe major factors affecting threatened or endangered species and methods used to improve the populations of these species
	Interpret maps and other images

Forestry Key Concepts

Students should be able to:

	Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs through the use of a key
	Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting the, including: the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition and succession.
	Understand the cause and effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest age structure, snags and dead trees, availability of food and riparian zones.
	Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, aesthetics, fire, global warming and recreation.
	Understand basic forest management concepts and tools, such as how various silviculture practices are used, the use of tree measuring devices and the use of best management practices.
	Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and set of management goals.
	Identify complex factors that influence forest management decisions (economic, social and ecological).
	Understand the value of trees in urban/suburban settings and the factors affecting their health and survival.
	Interpret maps and other images

Aquatics Key Concepts

Water Ecology, water chemistry, plants and animals living in or around water, water quality, water conservation, etc.

Students should be able to:

	Identify the processes and phases of each part of the water cycle
	Describe the chemical and physical properties of water and explain their implications for freshwater and marine ecosystems
	Analyze the interaction of competing uses of water for water supply, hydropower, navigation, wildlife, waste assimilation, irrigation, industry and others.
	Discuss methods of conserving water and reducing point and non-point pollution
	Explain the different types of aquifers and how each type relates to water quantity and quality
	Describe the function and value of wetlands
	Describe alterations to the aquatic habitat caused by changes to aquatic ecosystems
	Know how to assess and manage aquatic environments and how to determine the general water quality of a given water body. This includes sampling techniques and water quality parameters used to monitor point and non-point sources of pollution
	Be familiar with major methods and laws used to protect water quality, both surface and groundwater, and be able to use this information to make management decisions to improve the quality of water in a given situation
	Interpret maps and other images
	Explain groundwater and its uses in Florida, including recharge and discharge points or areas (springs and artesian wells)
	Understand how soils can influence water quality and serve to filter some pollutants from the water
	Understand the biological components of aquatic systems
	Understand how water regimes influence habitats